Modular household blower system

ABSTRACT

A blower system for drying a surface has an upright housing top that enables a user to maneuver the unit over various surfaces easily. A central feature of this system is a modular design for a unit that dries surfaces. This modular design enables a user to reconfigure the dryer as needed for a particular drying application. The modular capability and the upright standing design of the system allow a person to use this device and system for convenience. The blower of this device can be self-contained and detachable, which will enable a user to operate the drying function conveniently. The capability to detach a dryer module enables one to use this device for additional applications such as using the blower function to displace objects such as leaves.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to and claims priority from provisional patent application No. 63/038,869. The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a blower system for drying floor surfaces. In particular, this invention relates to floor blower having an upright handle design for easier maneuvering when blowing and drying surfaces such as floors in building structures. This invention further relates to a system for blowing and drying floors wherein a user can adjust the air temperature and velocity of the blower when blowing and drying surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Wet floors can be a hazard in any home or commercial building. Homeowners want their floors to remain dry, especially with children and pets running around. With hardwood floors, there is also the additional motivation of keeping floors dry to prevent potential water damage to the surfaces. People have used several methods to dry wet floors. One solution is to use towels or other cloth materials to physically wipe up moisture from a wet floor. The use of a ceiling fan can provide airflow to speed up the floor drying process. Another solution is to implement a system of one or more fans to dry wet surfaces. With this approach, the typical arrangement is to place a fan device on the floor have the fan blow air directly onto the floor to dry the floor. In commercial buildings, floor-drying products are placed on the floors to blow air onto the drying surface in a manner similar to methods used in homes.

Floor dryers are devices used to blow out air to accelerate the process of drying a floor or other surface. These devices have applications in various types of situations. Large retail stores use floor blowers and dryers to keep floors dry to prevent pedestrians from slipping on wet floors. People can also incorporate the use of floor dryers in their homes to dry floors. In addition to stationery products, portable products also exist with a similar objective of drying floor surfaces. One portable blowing device is used for blowing leaves and other yard work and landscaping functions. Another mobile blower product is called snow blowers. These snow blowers have an upright design, but the name is a misnomer. These blowers work similarly to a vacuum cleaner in that they scoop up snow and then blow it out to the sides and thereby create a clear path through the snow. Some floor dryer products use a suction process to dry the floors or use machines that actually wipe up the moisture. These products operate in a manner similar to conventional vacuum cleaners.

There have been various products to address the challenge of drying floors. Some of these solutions include U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,409 to Fujrwara et al. describes an electric vacuum cleaner comprises a main body having an electric blower and a dust collecting chamber, a triac controlling the electric blower, a floor nozzle coupled to the main body, a pressure sensor sensing the pressure in the vicinity of a suction port of the electric blower, a current sensor sensing the current in a rotary brush driving motor of the floor nozzle, and a microcomputer. The microcomputer performs a fuzzy inference on the outputs of the pressure sensor and the current sensor to determine the duty cycle of the blower control triac based on the result of the inference. By doing this, the supply of power to the electric blower in accordance with the condition of a floor surface is realized.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,508 to Valle describes s floor drying system that includes a housing have rollable wheels and a combination heater/blower mechanism for generating a heated airflow wherein ambient temperature airflow caused to enter the housing from the top, heated within the housing and forced to exit the housing through the four sides and bottom; the heated air exiting at angles directed toward the floor upon which the housing is supported; the top of the housing being provided with a caution strobe light which emits a strobe light action when the system is in operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,322 to Turner describes an apparatus for drying damp carpet and flooring materials in either a heated or non-heated manner is disclosed. A blower is provided, which incorporates coils located near or at the airflow entrance. A fan is included to produce the air. Designed for commercial carpet cleaning, the invention sits at floor level. The invention forces warm-to-hot air across the floor surface. A control is incorporated in the design to regulate the temperature of the forced air. A handle is designed with the housing of the blower on the top portion for carrying ease. The present invention rotates about a base to dry larger areas of flooring.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,052,141 to Andrisin, III, et al. describes a warning device of the type that is typically employed to warn pedestrians of a wet floor operates a floor dryer into its design so that, in addition to warning pedestrians of the damp floor, the device may be employed to dry the floor. An air director element produces a beneficial airflow providing increased drying efficacy.

Although several products are available to address the challenge of drying wet or damp floors, these products still lack the needed capabilities to dry wet floors efficiently. There remains a need for a floor-drying product with an upright handle design that will enable a user to maneuver the dryer over a floor surface easily. There also remains a need for capabilities for the user to adjust the airflow temperature used to provide the drying to a surface. In addition, there remains a need for a device that can function as both a dryer for a surface or a vacuum cleaner to clean a surface as needed.

SUMMARY

This invention provides a new form of floor or surface dryer that will enhance how one attempts to dry surfaces. This invention gives the user flexibility and options when using a device to dry floors, walkways, or even smaller surfaces such as furniture or upholstery. A prominent feature of this present invention is a modular design for a system that dries surfaces. This modular design enables a user to reconfigure the dryer as needed for a particular drying application. The modular capability and the upright standing design of the present invention system allow a person to use this device and a system like an upright vertical vacuum cleaner. The blower of this device can be self-contained and detachable, which will enable a user to operate the drying function conveniently. The capability to detach a dryer module allows one to use this device for additional applications, such as using the blower function to displace objects such as leaves.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the hand-controlled device for drying a surface area of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows accessory parts of the hand-controlled device for drying a surface area of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention comprises an upright design for a floor blower/dryer product used to dry wet and damp floors. This product contains fan for generating air and a channel and outlet directed toward the floor through which air travels and exists the product and contacts the floor to provide drying. This product can also contain a heating element positioned between the fan and product outlet. This heating element has the capability to alter the air temperature as the air passes over the heating element. The product also has controls that permit the user to adjust the heating element such that the user can vary the temperature of the air used to dry the floor surface. In operation, the present invention intakes air such that the air travels through a channel and passes the heating element, which heats the air. As the air exits the channel of the present invention

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 shows an assembly of the hand-controlled device for drying a surface area system of the present invention. In this system, the hand-held unit, the blower module 102 functions as a cooling or heating air blowing device. This module provides the air for drying water and moisture from a desired surface. This blower module 102 can comprise a power supply, a motor, a fan and controls. It can function as a stand-alone blower or can be positioned in the floor housing 114 with a handle and floor nozzle. Referring to the blower module 102, an intake port 104 functions to receive ambient air for intake into the fan unit where airflow is generated for blowing output air through an exhaust port and onto the surface for drying. A temperature selector 106 controls the temperature of air from normal ambient air temperature to a desired heated temperature of air blowing out to the drying surface. A trigger device 108 controls the velocity/force of the air being blown out. A floor unit nozzle 110 is used with the floor mount housing and handle. The air being blown out is directed from the nozzle onto the surface area for which drying is desired. The release button 112 releases the lock which secures the hand-held unit onto the upright housing unit 114.

The upright housing unit 114 supports operating with the hand-held blower module 102 and the floor unit nozzle 110 (also referred to as the exhaust module). The blower module can also have a power cord to connect to power source. The upright housing also has a power cord storage feature, LCD panel controls, a handle retract feature and strap hooks. An LED display 116 for the blower module control manages the operation of the blower module, the air flow speed and temperature features when the module 102 is positioned in the housing unit 114. D-ring hooks 118 are mounted in two places on the upright housing unit 114 for possible connection with a strap harness for possible shoulder carry. The hooks 120 are provided in two places on the upright housing unit for power cord storage. Button 122 locks and releases the handle from the housing unit 114 for position operation or retracted for storage positions. Handle 124 which is attached to the floor mount housing (or exhaust module) is also telescopic for different lengths.

Referring to FIG. 2 , shown are accessory parts for the connection to the blower module 102. A 24 inch extension tube 202 can be used with the hand-held unit 102 to direct blowing of output air onto a surface area as part of the application. As mentioned, this extension tube is an optional part for this application. A 24 inch to 48 inch extension tube 204 can be attached and used with the hand-held unit to direct blowing, output air onto the surface area of the application. This tube can be retractable to allow the user to vary the length as needed or desired. A 6 inch to 10 inch wide nozzle 206 can be used with the hand-held unit to direct blowing output air onto the area of a surface for drying. This nozzle is also retractable and is optional function. The present invention can also have an alternate nozzle design. This alternate design has the capability to alter the dimensions of the outflow air from the nozzle for targeted applications. For example, air can be fanned out wide from the nozzle to simultaneously cover a wider surface area. The user can adjust the nozzle such that the outflow is narrow and targeted at a small surface area. This concept is similar in application to a water sprayer. The nozzle can be made of such material that the nozzle is flexible and bendable to facilitate reaching certain surface locations. In the present invention, one application for this nozzle application would be a shrink-wrap function.

In an alternate embodiment, this product can have a modular design in which the user can add or remove certain components as desired to facilitate specific product applications. This modular design can enable the user to produce another alternate embodiment of the invention in which the product has the capability to function as an upright floor dryer or as a conventional vacuum cleaner device.

The capabilities of the present invention provide certain advantages over current products with similar objectives to the present invention. These advantages include a more efficient means to dry a floor surface such as a hardwood floor or a carpet. With its upright handle design, this invention also provides more flexibility in maneuvering the device when drying a surface.

In another alternate embodiment, the modular capabilities of the present invention will enable one to use the invention in a hand held capacity. This invention has a modular configuration that allows it to function as a hand held blower. In this embodiment, the heating element is positioned in the hand held module. This flexibility provides multiple uses for the device.

The modular capabilities of this invention enable it to be reconfigured to operate as a vacuum cleaner or a blower. These features also enable one to use this invention as a heater/blower in outside applications. For example, an embodiment of this invention can function to melt snow or ice during inclement weather. The blower capabilities can enable the user to blow heated air on ice and snow to more rapidly melt the ice and snow. This use of the present invention can operate more efficiently than conventional uses of salt to melt snow. Once this invention melts the snow, salt can be applied to prevent the refreezing of melted snow and ice.

Another alternate embodiment of the present invention is a small auto dryer that operates as a robot. This embodiment can incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to move around on a surface or floor of a room or building to perform drying functions.

While the present invention as been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. 

1. A system for using a hand-controlled device for drying a surface area comprising: an upright housing with an upper end and a lower end, said upper end forming a handle enabling a user to maneuver said housing from a standing position, said upright housing also having internal channels that provide for airflow to travel through the upright housing; a blower module positioned in said upright housing for generating and supplying airflow to dry a surface, said blower module having a inlet port for receiving airflow and an exhaust port for dispending airflow from said blower module and an air channel through air travels in said blower module from said inlet port through said exhaust port; an exhaust module forming the lower end of said upright module through which airflow from said detachable blower module is dispended directly onto a surface for drying; and a power source in said blower module for providing power to dispense airflow to dry a surface.
 2. The surface drying system as described in 1 wherein said blower module further comprises a heating element positioned in the air channel between said inlet port and said outlet port for heating air as air flows through the channel and out of said exhaust port and onto a surface area for drying.
 3. The surface drying system as described in 2 wherein said blower module further comprises a heating element controller for controlling a heat intensity range of said heating element in order to heat air passing across said heating element at different temperatures.
 4. The surface drying system as described in claim 2 wherein said blower module further comprises a fan element capable of operating at multiple speeds to vary air velocity of air passing through said blower module and across said heating element.
 5. The surface drying system as described in claim 1 wherein said upright housing has: an internal air channel connected to said blower module intake port for intake of air into said blower module; and connections to a power source to supply power to said blower module.
 6. The surface drying system as described in claim 5 wherein said exhaust module further comprises an air channel in connection with the air channel of said blower module, said air channel of said exhaust module directs air from said blower module onto a desired surface for drying.
 7. The surface drying system as described in claim 2 wherein said blower module further comprises an additional power source for powering said blower module.
 8. The surface drying system as described in claim 7 wherein said blower module is detachable from said upright housing.
 9. The surface drying system as described in claim 2 wherein said blower module further comprises a tube element with a top end attached to blower module and a bottom end attached to said exhaust module, wherein said tube element is detachable from said exhaust module enabling said blower module to dispense air from said blower module through said tube element and onto a surface for drying.
 10. The surface drying system as described in claim 9 further comprising blowing attachments capable of connecting to the bottom end of said tube element for directing air flow from said blowing element onto a specific area of a surface.
 11. The surface drying system as described in claim 6 wherein said exhaust module further comprises a plurality of bristle position on an exhaust module bottom and air in contact with surface for drying, said bristles capable of assisting in removing water and moisture from a surface.
 12. The surface drying system as described in claim 8 wherein said blower module is detached from said upright housing and functions as a separate blower device for drying surfaces.
 13. A system for using a hand-controlled device for cleaning a surface area comprising: an upright housing with an upper end and a lower end, said upper end forming a handle enabling a user to maneuver said housing from a standing position, said upright housing also having internal channels that provide for airflow to travel through the upright housing; a detachable blower module positioned in said upright housing for generating and supplying airflow to dry a surface, said blower module having a inlet port for receiving airflow and an exhaust port for dispending airflow from said blower module and an air channel through air travels in said blower module from said inlet port through said exhaust port; a detachable suction module positioned in said upright housing for providing suction to remove dirt and particles from a surface, said vacuum module having a channel connected to a surface contact module through which dirt and particles would travel up to the vacuum module. surface contact module forming the lower end of said upright module through which airflow from said detachable blower module is dispended directly onto a surface for drying; and a power source for providing power to said blower module and said suction module.
 14. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 13 wherein said detachable blower module and detachable suction module are simultaneously positioned in said upright module.
 15. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 14 further comprising a switch capable of enabling and disabling said blower module and said suction modules.
 16. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 13 wherein said detachable blower module and detachable suction module are interchangeably positioned in said upright module.
 17. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 13 wherein said detachable suction module further comprises a collection element to receive and store contents received into said detachable suction module.
 18. A system for using a hand-controlled device for cleaning a surface area comprising: an upright housing with an upper end and a lower end, said upper end forming a handle enabling a user to maneuver said housing from a standing position, said upright housing also having internal channels that provide for airflow to travel through the upright housing; a detachable cleaning module positioned in said upright housing, said module having a blower element capable of generating and supplying airflow to dry a surface, said blower element having a inlet port for receiving airflow and an exhaust port for dispending airflow from said blower element and an air channel through air travels in said blower module from said inlet port through said exhaust port, said detachable cleaning module further comprising a suction element for providing suction to remove dirt and particles from a surface, said suction element having a channel connected to a surface contact module through which dirt and particles would travel up to the suction element. surface contact module forming the lower end of said upright module through which airflow from said detachable blower element is dispended directly onto a surface for drying; and a power source for providing power to said blower element and said suction element.
 19. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 18 further comprising a switch capable of enabling and disabling said blower element and said suction element. 